FEMA continues to support states affected by the recent winter storms. In this update, there is information about federal funding, how individuals can apply for FEMA disaster assistance, FEMA determination letters, donations, avoiding scams, donating blood, declaration activity, and support to Texas.
Key Highlights
Since the Feb. 19 declaration, more than $5.7 million in grants has been awarded to survivors in Texas.
If you received damages from the Texas winter storms and have insurance – file a claim. When you apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you will also need to provide your claim information. The quickest way to apply for disaster assistance is online at DisasterAssistance.gov. Additional food assistance is also available in Texas through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Recipients may apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed by dialing 2-1-1.
If you received a letter from FEMA stating you’re ineligible for help, please visit FEMA.gov to understand your determination letter and learn how to submit an appeal.
After a disaster, people come together to help. Cash donations to the non-profit of your choice is the best way to help. To find a list of trusted organizations that can put your generous contributions to the best possible use, visit National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt requested a major disaster declaration Tuesday. The request is under review.
Avoid Scams
Do not trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money or personal information. The Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff never charge for disaster assistance.
- The best information on legitimate sources of help in your area will come from local officials.
- Do not disclose information to any unsolicited telephone calls and e-mails.
- Federal and local disaster workers do not solicit or accept money.
- Beware of visits, calls or emails from people claiming to be from FEMA asking for your Social Security number, bank account or other sensitive information. Giving out this type of information can lead to identify theft.
- The Texas Department of Insurance is warning people to be aware of potential contracting scams as they begin making repairs. They are operating a help line to prevent contractor scams: 800-252-3439.
Donate Blood
The severe cold, snow and ice canceled blood drives across the nation. As weather improves, it’s vital that eligible individuals give blood to ensure patients have continued access to the treatments they need. Appointments can be made by contacting:
- American Association of Blood Banks: aabb.org; 301-907-6977.
- America’s Blood Centers: americasblood.org; 202-393-5725.
- American Red Cross: redcrossblood.org; 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767).
Texas Disaster Declaration
- President Biden’s major disaster declaration provides assistance for disaster survivors in 108 counties. This assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of this storm.
- All FEMA disaster assistance will be provided without discrimination on the grounds of race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, disability, limited English proficiency or economic status. If you believe your civil rights are being violated, call 800-621-3362 or TTY: 800-462-7585.
- Local resources and volunteers may be able to assist with needs not covered by insurance. Visit Texas 211 for a list of resources searchable by zip code or call 2-1-1.
- Survivors who have underinsured or uninsured losses in the counties approved for assistance may apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling 1-800-621-3362 (TTY: 800-462-7585).
- If you have damage from the Texas severe winter storms and have insurance, contact your insurance company to file a claim. When you apply for FEMA disaster assistance, you need to provide your insurance claim information.
- The Texas Department of Insurance can provide contact information for insurance companies and answer questions about how to file a claim. Call 800-252-3439 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. CT, Monday to Friday. Survivors can also view insurance company contact information online.
Federal Assistance to Texas
- FEMA has provided personnel, equipment and resources to the state to alleviate impacts from these storms. As of Feb. 23:
- FEMA provided 60 generators and is providing up to 70,000 gallons of winterized diesel and 70,000 gallons of gasoline until March 13 to support critical infrastructure.
- FEMA has provided over 5.6 million liters of water, more than 126,900 blankets, and more than 1.5 million meals.
- Incident Management Assistance Teams are in Austin and Houston supporting response and recovery efforts.
- Twenty five of the 50 ambulances FEMA provided through the National EMS contract were released.
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients to apply for replacement benefits for food lost or destroyed due to the severe winter weather by dialing 2-1-1. Recipients need to apply for replacement food benefits for regular SNAP allotments and SNAP emergency allotments that were provided in response to COVID-19.
- To assist people in the impacted area in coping with the stress of the winter storms, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration activated the Disaster Distress Helpline. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support provides immediate crisis counseling and support. Residents in affected areas may call or text 800-985-5990 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
Previous Declaration Activity
Last week, President Biden approved emergency declarations for Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. These declarations authorize FEMA to provide emergency protective measures for mass care and sheltering and direct federal assistance.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, please contact Office of External Affairs:
- Congressional Affairs at (202) 646-4500 or at FEMA-Congressional-Affairs@fema.dhs.gov
- Intergovernmental Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-IGA@fema.dhs.gov
- Tribal Affairs at (202) 646-3444 or at FEMA-Tribal@fema.dhs.gov
- Private Sector Engagement at (202) 646-3444 or at nbeoc@max.gov
Follow Us
Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on Twitter, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.
Also, follow Acting Administrator Bob Fenton on Twitter @FEMA_Fenton.
FEMA Mission
Helping people before, during, and after disasters.
